The science community is concerned: many established researchers plan to retire in the coming decade and there is a dearth of early and mid-career researchers ready to take their place and contribute in a meaningful way. Unless young scientists are encouraged, trained and mentored in various scientific fields knowledge gaps will occur.

The In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System (IAGOS) uses commercial passenger aircraft as a platform for the measurement of the composition of the atmosphere. It is one component of the European Research Infrastructure for gathering long-term, routine in-situ observational data on the state of the atmosphere.